Tales from the Barrel House to the Ballroom

Seth Lakeman at The Assembly – Leamington Spa 24/03: A Review

What an awesome way to top off what had been more like a summer’s day than early spring. The venue for this gig was an old ballroom complete with intricately designed motifs on the surrounding walls and a large space in the centre of the ceiling where a huge glittering disco ball would have hung. Cue a cavalcade of colourfully vivid time travel flashbacks to the 70’s featuring images of funky divas in full swing demonstrating their dazzlingly daring disco skills. Unlike some excuses for musical performance however, Seth’s entrance was not about to be marked by him being lowered down on a gigantic disco ball.

Music from the Mountains

I usually make an effort to research support acts and check out what kind of music they have to offer but being as busy as I have lately the first thing I learned about folk harmony duo Winter Mountain, was the name of their act when I caught a glimpse at a promo poster earlier that afternoon. Although this was a short set (being a support act) their phenomenal performance is worthy of a full review because the pleasant surprise their delicate acoustic sound offered completely blew me away. It was so sublime I opened my eyes to find my feet were no longer on the ground.

I will admit when I saw the beards I thought the pair were from Seattle a la Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses or Death Cab For Cutie. However, while Martin is from Donegal in Ireland and Joe from St Austell in Cornwall their sound certainly demonstrates the Seattle type influence of the aforementioned bands. The overall package offers even more, reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel but with considerably more gusto. 

Memphis Bound

The duo met while backpacking their way across the US, Martin from west coast to east and Joe from east coast to west. Fate lent its guiding hand as they stepped on to the same train while both in Chicago heading down to Memphis. The rest as they say is history and judging by this performance an incredibly bright future lies ahead for them too.

  

Their sound is perhaps experimental but nowhere does it lack even a little in quality as a result of this. If anything it provides an impetus for real heartfelt performance and such incredibly tranquil sounding melodies I wasn’t surprised when the rest of the audience joined me for a float fest in the air as the pair sang out a song called Sarah. It wasn’t all the same style throughout either as they mixed it up a bit with each tune. Sometimes singing almost an entire song together in flawless harmony, others where each had their own parts but came in interlacing the other like their vocals were emulating the perfection of a proper love-struck relationship. As testament to their talent they have recently signed a record deal with Cara Dillon’s Charcoal Records so I look forward to what comes from this magical pairing. 

Leamington Laps Up Lakeman

I first heard about Seth Lakeman through fellow Levellers fans but having foolishly missed his set at the Beautiful Days festival in 2010 (I have since learned one must obtain a programme as soon as one arrives at these events) I felt it was imperative I get to one of his gigs as soon as possible. Thus as soon as tickets were released for his early 2011 dates I made sure I snapped one up immediately as part of my mission to get to at least one live gig every month. I desperately wanted but was unable to get to a date on his second 2011 tour promoting the limited release of his latest album last December but lucky for me he soon announced a string of dates for this year.

With success that has been building gradually since he went solo in 2002 it is easy to see why Seth has become somewhat the poster boy for contemporary folk music. The former Mercury award nominee (2005) helps introduce the diversity this genre can, at times, offer to music fans. While traditional folk elements are never far from evident in his music, he manages to marry these with sounds somewhat more palatable for a mainstream audience. The crowd at this particular show demonstrated his appeal to this wider range of music fan covering many different sub-genres in addition to those who belong to his almost cult-like loyal following.

The versatility he demonstrates together with an ability to captivate and hold on to this widening fan base only serves to promote folk music to people who would otherwise have run a mile in the opposite direction if they so much as heard even the slightest dinkle dankle of a banjo. Whenever I mention a folk artist to most people their facial expression moulds into something that quite clearly asks why haven’t I been institutionalised yet?  If artists like Seth can help persuade others that we who appreciate a little bit of folk amongst our tunes are quite safe to be out amongst the public, then this is no bad thing.

I’ve read some articles reporting how when he first started out some from various corners of the traditional folk scene often derided Seth attempting to downplay his music and style which I can only imagine was down to jealousy. Perhaps he does sometimes break off into less folk heavy and towards a more alternative sound but as an evolving artist this only showcases his many talents.

Tales from the Barrel House to the Ballroom

This was the final date on the second leg promoting sixth album, Tales From The Barrel House, whose initial limited edition release sold out almost as fast as Seth can fiddle to Kitty Jay (i.e. very). A general release has since been recorded with a couple of extra tracks and a DVD. It really does show this is his first independent album following the departure from his previous record label because it sounds so individual and fresh compared to the previous two (as much as I enjoy them in their own right). Solidifying his folk roots he recorded first track More Than Money down a copper mine and the rest of the album in the cooperage (The Barrel House of its title) playing every instrument featured, producing and mixing it all to boot.

From the lament of Blacksmith’s Prayer to the seafaring story of Salt From Our Veins and the timeless tale of The Watchmaker’s Rhyme, the subject matter he focussed on also relies heavily on these traditional folk roots covering mostly the forgotten trades of yesteryear. Closing with the gentler Apple of His Eye and the beautifully perceptive The Artisan Seth most clearly demonstrates his exceptional skills as a songwriter.

He is the Music Man

Beginning the set with More Than Money for which he played the banjo, Seth quickly picked up the mandolin while the band played straight into Blacksmith’s Prayer. He went on to exhibit his expert and flawless musicianship by following up with songs where he played his trademark fiddle, tenor guitar and even playing the violin pizzicato (plucking it like a guitar for those unsure). Added to his distinct emotional vocals and the support from the band, a truly electric atmosphere was the result.

Getting Jiggy With It

Seth’s music carries with it the same infectious quality epitomised by folk punk legends The Levellers. It encourages, slowly at first (think snake charmer), one’s legs to spontaneously start jigging about like they’ve been directly fed an electric current (think slightly tamer version of River Dance). Before I knew it while he began pouring out words via his pulsating heart to accompany his gradual build up to fiddling for England, a third or more of the crowd, myself included, were all jumping about like loons. Happy loons appreciating great live music though and hey no one was looking at us oddly here so it was all okay. No doctors in white coats watching from the bar, thankfully.

You could really feel the raw beauty of the elements within the hall. I’d even go as far as to say we were somehow transported to the ghostly Morwellham mining port on the bank of the River Tamar where stands the Barrel House the album was recorded at (there’s magic in folk, right?), such was the atmosphere they created as a collective up on stage.

Fiddler Freedom 

A newfound freedom was clearly audible with the return to older material seeing the jigging loons double in size now making us a sizeable majority as The Colliers, Setting of the Sun and John Lomas were played out in all their magnificent glory. The very haunting sounds of Preacher’s Ghost also featured as did a sensational rendition of Lady of the Sea which I’m sure was sped up so fast by invisible futuristic machines to get moving those few stragglers who hadn’t yet started looning (yes I made up that word).

The band took a break leaving Seth and his bass player to perform The Artisan, the bass requiring more of a melody than the typical bass chords. This song tells the story of a woodworker who, as he plies his carpentry trade, relives his life with each chip of the chisel and every stroke of the saw. I once passed out after chiselling a finger during a woodwork class at school (true story). The way this song really gets up close and personal I fully believe Seth could do as much justice to my chiselled finger turning it into a beautiful yet sad tale like he does here with The Artisan.

Fiddle Off Championship 2012

There was also the highly popular fan pleaser Kitty Jay, a song that builds up to such intensity before erupting in a near orgasmic explosion. With nothing more than his vocals, fiddle and a stomping right foot it is compelling and blockbusting rolled into one. You cannot help but remain transfixed as Seth fiddles like the continued existence of the universe depends on it.

The hard work and effort it takes to be this faultless while playing at such speed shows but through expressions demonstrating how much he thoroughly enjoys what this classic song has evolved into. I’m pretty sure with each tour and indeed each night’s performance he cranks it up a notch further in an attempt to out-fiddle himself. With this being the final night of the current run he didn’t disappoint although I am surprised he didn’t pass out immediately after or that there wasn’t a mass of smoke billowing from the fiddle or his hands. It gives me goose bumps just recalling it.

Life on the Road

Seth belongs to that subset of artists who seem to tour constantly and I’d have to agree with some who’d say his live performances far outstrip what the studio albums are able to offer given their limitations. They do have their own important place but with him touring so often as well as being a mainstay on the annual summer festival circuit fans can have the best of both worlds. This gig was my second Seth experience in less than twelve months and it most certainly won’t be the last with an October tour already announced. I do have just one question I’d like to ask. Where’s the full live album, please Seth?

Music of the Moment:


There's actually far too much for me to be able to squeeze it all in here like I did before. I used to listen to a lot of music as it was just going about more or less anything. This has increased loads since I've started putting together the podcast as I check out new music, new material from old bands and artists and lots else besides.

I know they're a band who have featured a lot previously as well as both opening and closing my first podcast but they truly deserve to be mentioned as often as possible. One Cure For Man have just released another new EP entitled The Lost contains three beautiful acoustic tracks and also features the sounds of a violin. It is a real treat.

Gathered is the latest album from Nick Burbridge of the McDermott's 2 Hours versus The Levellers fame, this time teamed up with Tim Cotterell.

T J Courtney has debut EP Into the Sky out now which sounds fantastic.

Finally for the moment, The Dreaming Spires are soon to release a new album (June) and have kindly sent me the radio edit for their new single Not Every Song From The Sixties Is A Classic.

Books:

I finished reading Joe Vampire by Steven Luna and it was superb all the way to the end leaving me wanting so much more from this newly turned vampire dude. It's just so fresh for a vampire tale considering it is a genre that has been (pardon the pun) done to death.

My next read is going to be Leiyatel's Embrace by Clive S. Johnson who also has sequel Of Weft and Weave due out very soon. I'm really looking forward to this first one.


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Band of Badgers Presents...#1 The Pilot

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD EPISODE 1 TO YOUR COMPUTER.

   EPISODE 1: THE PILOT

Well. After much ado and not even a little bit of nothing my first podcast episode is now published and available on the interweb. It is actually scary. What if it's crap? What if no one checks it out or listens? By crap I mean my own bits and bobs, certainly not the amazing musical talent it is showcasing!

Ah, well it was a lot of fun to do and as I've mentioned previously all the support and encouragement I've received from the bands and artists on the playlist has been fantastic. I only hope I can repay this and gather up a decent sized audience for it whereby people who may not have come across their music in any other way will do so thanks to Band of Badgers Presents. I tend to go out there looking for new music but am always grateful when people suggest new bands or artists to me or if I suddenly start being followed by them on Twitter. I hope this podcast will serve for those who may look for such content with a playlist they can listen to for sampling and then take something (if not everything) from it. 

Given individual preferences this may not happen for all artists featured on the playlist but then that's not the aim, just to put a good selection of music crossing genres (particularly but by no means exclusively, rock, alternative, soft rock, folk, folk-rock, singer-songwriter, nu-folk) out there for people to sample and enjoy. Although I will tend to focus on the genres above, these are not in any way exclusively what I'll be sticking to. If I come across something I really do like and it does not fit into these then it will still likely find itself on a future playlist.

For me, it is about my own preferences but these are often so varied (as you will no doubt be able to gather from this first episode) I will never exclude anything that perhaps doesn't fit into any specific category. In fact I only use categories and tags for searching and clarification purposes. I've read many an interview from artists I respect who often despair at being pigeon-holed into such categories. Nevertheless categories is kind of how it rolls, I guess so I'm afraid I can't escape them on that level.

You can listen to this episode by streaming via the above player or by visiting the podOmatic page at http://bandofbadgerspresents.podomatic.com. There's a description and introduction on there too so I'll refrain from including it all here as I've been rambling on for a little too long already.

I will however include the tracklist so you can click on website links if you'd like to and check out other fantastic tunes from these great bands and artists:

1. Alone in Berlin by One Cure For Man
2. Inseparable by Under a Banner
3. Reaction by Whitestar
4. Love is a Burning by The Survival Code
5. Infidelity by Mutineers
6. Open the Door by Andrew Page
7. Break Me by The Walla Recovery
8. Can We Keep This by Angel Kelly
9. White Lies by Luke Jackson
10. C.C.T.V by The Last Republic
11. But Without Light by One Cure For Man

Thanks to Mark Blasco at http://www.podcastthemes.com/ for the theme tune. Please check out the website and also make sure you check out Mark's own site for his own music. 

It should also soon be available via iTunes and on Soundcloud but I will add these links once this is sorted.

To the Future

In future episodes I'll hopefully be able to include interviews and rare samples of new tunes, perhaps even demos that artists may wish to try out. This all depends on potential playlists of course but in putting together one for episode 2 I've received the same kind of amazing support from bands and artists as I did for this one. 

I will also be including more songs from the artists featured above. There'll likely be at least one from above featuring in episode 2 but others will return as and when.

Hopefully I'll be sorting out a better microphone for recording them now I'm intending to do this on a semi-regular basis. It's the intention to record a new episode once every two weeks but this may be more or less often depending on other commitments. I will maintain a regular momentum though.

With the 2012 festival season fast approaching I'm considering doing a festival special although I'm not quite sure what this will entail just yet. Keep your eyes peeled (such a macabre saying) or rather your ears open! Maybe I can get hold of some live recordings to play for a start?

Coming up in Episode 2 so far will be:

Sky Burns Red

Page 44

I Divide

First Things First

Howard James Kenny

Rainy Boy Sleep

Tom Mcrae

Gypsy Fire

Thanks for listening.

Contact: bandofbadgers@hotmail.co.uk

Books:

I recently finished That Bear Ate My Pants by Tony James Slater. What are you waiting for? Buy it, click for it like your life depends on it because you'll regret missing out on a fantastic read if you don't. It's so genuinely laugh out loud the situations Tony wound up in as a volunteer at an animal rescue centre (well it was an outdoor centre up a mountain actually) in Ecuador. Chasing a bear up a tree is just one of very many of these. I'll be writing a review ASAP but until then just take my word for it and buy it! 

I then started reading Joe Vampire by Steven Luna while waiting for my first train back from a few days away. There I was sitting in Brighton train station glued to my Kindle. There I was sitting on the train from Brighton to London Victoria still glued to my Kindle. Then again sitting around at London Euston I resisted what is usually a very strong urge to people watch (although I had loaded myself up on this particular activity while sitting in a Costa Coffee shop for the majority of the previous afternoon) by remaining glued to my Kindle. For the final leg of the journey home from London to Northampton you guessed it, I was again glued to my Kindle. I do so love having this time available to read in this way. For the most part it's uninterrupted bliss. This is always a complete and utter joy when the book turns out to be such a fantastic read. 

I know I've not yet finished it but Joe Vampire is a refreshing tale of an ordinary dude who is reluctantly turned into a vampire. Steven demonstrates a masterful skill in making this such an interesting unputdownable (this really should be a word by now) story considering vampires feature so heavily in the current market. I believe this is very much one that breaks the mould and treats the subject in such a way that instantly connects the reader so much more closely to main character Joe. It's great news the author has recently been generating ideas for a follow up. Already, I can't wait to see what surprises lie in store for Joe and Co. 

A link to the blog can be found by clicking here.

I've been truly blessed with the last few books I've read all being online e-book purchases for my new Kindle from authors who work hard to help promote their hard work via Twitter and Facebook. I've been blessed even further (so many blessings I'm now an honorary blesser of sorts (I don't know what this means in the slightest, stay with me, it sounded funny in my head....please note my use of the word soundED)) by being able to interact and chat with these authors while hopefully helping to promote them a little myself as well. Their thanks for my support is humbling but I thank them for writing such interestingly, different books that have kept me fully entertained.

I've written very well deserved Five Star reviews for The Squirrel That Dream of Madness and Life Knocks both by Craig Stone and as mentioned above I'll be writing a review of Tony's book, That Bear Ate My Pants over the next few days. It goes without saying (and I'm not saying, I'm typing) that once finished I'll also write one for Steven's Joe Vampire.

Come on folks. Get reading!

Movies:

I went to see The Hunger Games on Monday and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable film. I'll only review it if I get chance which given my current commitments is not likely to be any time soon. I'd certainly recommend it as being worth a watch though! 

Preliminary score: 3/5

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Chasing the Dream

Work-Life Balance

Yesterday morning I woke up at the usual time of about 07:00 tired and bleary eyed but so much more joyful about the day ahead. You guessed it, annual leave from work was the reason for this strange yet very welcome difference.

I gleefully imagine this is what life would be like were I to be working for myself and from home. A typical day might run a bit like:

07:00 - Wake up - Morning cup of tea followed by breakfast. Read book, news or magazine.

08:00 - Daily ablutions commence followed by another cup of tea or coffee.

08:30 - Work out! Either a run, some weights or a combination.

09:30 - Bath or shower.

10:00 - Begin morning of work.

13:30 - Break for lunch - half hour if staying at home. Perhaps up to 90 minutes if popping into town for a lunch meeting (work related or personal) and a coffee.

14:00 - Begin afternoon of work.

17:00 - Prepare evening meal but continue working if things still to do.

18:00 - Eat dinner.

The remainder of the evening is one's own although naturally having such a relaxed and fulfilled day means if there is still a little work to be done, no bother, one will feel happy to get on it. In fact at such a nice pace of life even if there were still a lot of work to be done after dinner which ate into one's evening now and then I think one would still be inclined to just get on with it.

I think this kind of schedule is the key to removing unnecessary stress and resentment from our lives. It certainly takes into account that all important 'work-life balance' people are always harping on about. If this balance is so important why has it not been cascaded to all corners of the working world yet? With currently spending nine hours or more out at work in jobs that make us struggle to believe we're anything but robots and getting a paltry twenty days annual leave (for most workplaces) how can this be considered anything other than a very poor 'work-life balance'?

I guess rather than complain I should get working my ass off on coming up with an idea I can put into practice to make this so. In the meantime I will enjoy my annual leave by actually living life and not having to perform any robotic type tasks. Even successfully administering the cat's medication twice daily makes life more interesting.

Normal Service Will Resume Shortly

Reviews are coming, I promise. I'm just finalising one for the Seth Lakeman gig last Saturday. The Cyndi Lauper one will also be ready very soon.

Band of Badgers Presents... Episode #1 The Pilot really is almost complete. I am however still the same perfectionist I was last week but thankfully with the time I now have not being at work I can get it ready for publication. After a mini trip to Brighton and Eastbourne of course. It's all recorded and the tracks lined up accordingly. I just have to make sure the bits featuring me rambling on sound just right.

One thing is for sure, I will be getting a better microphone. Granted I only bought the one I did for practice and playing purposes. Little did I know I'd get so into it and enjoy it as much as I have done (as long as it can take to edit) I'd want to continue doing it in a very semi-serious way.

Last night was the Noah and the Whale gig which I'll also review in due course. They were amazing though I will say that much.

Tonight is Shearwater in Brighton as I've mentioned which makes three gigs in six days. Why can't life be like this all the time? Follow @roberto_baggins Tweet

Interlude #2: Update

As you can tell I'm having to just interlace these blog posts with write ups for reviews for last year's gigs. At least I'm still including them. There just isn't enough time in the day for me to complete everything I want to. I'm not complaining though (well perhaps just a little bit) because I'm actually writing more than I have done in years (technically not including last November's NaNoWriMo but that was fantastic practice), which is the whole point to wanting to write I suppose. Quite why I didn't just do this long before now I don't know. Better late than never so they say. 'It's never too late...' sang Kylie.

I have decided not to write up anything about last year's Seth Lakeman gig purely because I'm attending a gig on his current tour this month (actually this Saturday *excited*). Therefore I will write up a more comprehensive review of that one. I must add, however, he is  a very humble and charming individual to meet. I was fortunate enough to meet him after the gig at the Derngate Theatre last May. He signed my ticket as I'd already got all of his CD's (but foolishly didn't take one along) and it was here I purchased Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman's second album, 2. And thus is how my love affair with Kathryn's voice started! Thankfully I was not in the completely inebriated state I was when I met Tom Mcrae after the first of his gig's I attended in November 2003.

Alas! The podcast isn't ready for publication yet and the article I am writing has turned into a three part series taking in the recording of it, editing it and finally publishing/uploading it to a website. The first part has been really well received so that must mean I'm doing something right.

It shouldn't take me too much longer however, the editing is what will delay me. What can I say? I try and be a bit of a perfectionist even though errors do seep in. Those tricky pesky little bastards! I'm sure they must lie in wait for you to hit the submit or send button confident you've rid your work of all of them. Hit that button and forget about it for a little while. Next day or the day after go back for a quick glance over, just to make sure you really did get the writing voice and flow as it should be. What do you know? A little sneaky bitch of an error. A your instead of you're. This usually annoys me in general posts, updates and emails. I'm not perfect of course and I never make a fuss for this and many other reasons but that doesn't mean I can't still feel annoyed by it.

I've almost finished doing a write up on the bands and artists on the playlist for the pilot so I at least do the right kind of promotion for them directing people to the websites. It's pretty straight forward but time consuming in itself. It is nevertheless interesting as although these are people I've read about in coming to their music there are parts I'd only skimmed previously for some of them. I've loved it all so far and hope I can carry it on.

Anyway things seem to be coming together quite nicely this year and I have several things on the way to keep me busy so expect some write ups of more stuff in the coming weeks.

I've almost finished a review of the Cyndi Lauper gig from last June - what an awesome dudette she truly is.

I want to get up a review of Troll Hunter because for me that film was a real breath of fresh air. I recommend it to anyone looking for something different. This weekend gone I also watched The Iron Lady, the biopic of Margaret Thatcher. Meryl Streep is amazing isn't she? Is there any role she can't play? I'd put good money on her even pulling off a turn as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. Or perhaps Brad Pitt's part in Fight Club? I mean this just to emphasise how great she is. Other actresses must really hate her. Jealousy only of course. She deserves all the success that comes her way and can be forgiven for the Mamma Mia fiasco.

Next weekend I'm seeing Noah and the Whale in Wolverhampton followed by Texas band Shearwater in Brighton the following evening. Then there's the play Anne Boleyn, commissioned by Shakespeare's Globe (Shakespeare's Globe sounds to me like some kind of medieval medical complaint) also in Brighton.

In between trying to work through my 'to read mountain', writing weekly articles for the Graduate Game website, planning and recording Band of Badgers Presents..., updating this blog and planning a late summer trip to Norway I do not know how I'm finding time to sleep at all. Add to this trying to keep up with new music, attend gigs, catch up with TV series I follow (I rarely ever have the TV set on, ever but The Apprentice starts up again this week meaning my BBC iplayer desktop is going to fill up quickly...note to self - must watch Dirk Gently ASAP) and writing my own stuff I really do need to get that time machine sorted. Or at least get working on the time freeze machine Valerie (the banjo playing badger) began before he fell in love with playing the banjo.

Until next time people. Keep well and stay happy!





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Life Knocks Well and Truly Rocks!!!

Life Knocks by Craig Stone: A Review           5/5

After reading The Squirrel That Dreamt of Madness, I was eagerly anticipating the release of its follow up, Life Knocks. With the severity of my withdrawal symptoms beginning to cause some rather painful physical problems (trust me you really don't want to know) I took it as a miracle (as a rule I don't believe in miracles but this is an exception) it was released only a few weeks after I'd finished Squirrel. Again, this is a self-published e-book available via the Amazon Kindle Store but there are a number of e-readers available which make it accessible for those without one.


To be faced with something equally wonderful and enjoyable yet profoundly different in style to its predecessor I devoured the book in a manner not unlike that of a vulture stumbling across fresh carrion. It gripped me and pulled me in as if I were connected to it via an umbilical cord I couldn't detach myself from even when I had to get my ass to work. Indeed every time I got to the end of a chapter I continued reading on regardless of the time. The result was many a very tired morning and eyes looking like I'd done a few rounds in the boxing ring the night before. Sacrificing sleep was well worth it and I'd actually consider sacrificing weekends off work and annual leave if it meant being assured either a follow up to the adventures of Colossus Sosloss or something completely different from this talented young writer.


We have in Craig an intelligent, humorous, hopeful realist with an ability to render you a laughing mess on one page while pulling firmly at your emotional heart strings the next. He is someone who writes from deep within but based on spot on observations of himself, others and the experiences that ensue.


This is a life story and a love story but like it says on the tin there is no Hollywood ending. With Life Knocks you don't just get what it says on the tin either. Craig offers so much more whether it's musings about why black stains mysteriously appear overnight in his unused sink ('the pixie slaves forced to march across the sink in dirty boots after mining jewels for evil fairy overlords') or calling into question our use of general sayings ('...we need to start saying we had a whale of a time only when backed into a corner and harpooned to death'). There are countless more of these in addition to much sharp observational humour so rich in description you can't help but feel like you're physically part of the story, watching from a bush or a nearby pub table.


Primarily this book acts as a prequel to the events in Squirrel. It begins many months prior to Colossus' voluntary homelessness detailing the trials and tribulations which led to him making that particular decision. Where the non-Hollywood love story ties in is in a beautifully interlacing history of how he met his love, travelled with her, set up home in Hawaii for a while before the relationship began to break down. Make no mistake, this is no mere run of the mill romance yarn but a full on autobiographical adventure story. It's perfectly paced and the two differently timed stories of the main character merge together so effortlessly you cannot but want more.

Why I think Craig's writing works so well is that everyone can draw or take something from it in the positive way you'd expect to in taking out the time to read something. When you reach the end there's a feeling of reward in the way it has all flowed to its conclusion. Dare I even say I felt somewhat enlightened? I believe this makes it completely accessible whatever genre may be your usual preference. 


I urge you to go now and buy this book because if you don't you're seriously in danger of missing out on one of the best independent writers out there today. Plus you'd potentially be responsible for the worsening problems caused by my withdrawal symptoms which have returned with a vengeance since completing it. I sincerely look forward to the next offering.


Thanks Craig for another great read.

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The Water's Edge - Luke Ritchie - Album Review

The Water's Edge - Luke Ritchie - Album Review          

Twitter provides an amazing arena for new and up and coming bands or artists to connect with their potential audience. The sheer volume of new music continually being introduced may be a little overwhelming but if you're a big music fan it won't take you long to get organised and start enjoying artists you may otherwise never have come across.

This is where I stumbled upon the precious gem that is Luke Ritchie whose debut album The Water's Edge was released in November last year. Except it feels more like a second or even third offering from an already well established singer-songwriter. It comes as a result of a mammoth project Luke began when he started writing a song each week for six months back in January 2010. Each song was released as a podcast which I definitely urge you try out if you like what's on offer on this album. With added involvement from composer Nico Muhly, (who has collaborated with the likes of Bjork, Jonsi, Anthony & the Johnsons) and award winning producer Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai), this album was born.

Opening track The Lighthouse feels like it tries to be many things and succeeds flawlessly at every single one of them. After almost four minutes it reaches an even higher level, setting up the perfect atmosphere for what follows. The ending provides a sneaky glimpse at the true power behind Luke's voice while Nia Lynn's backing vocals add a depth that almost drowns you in a heavy shower of angel tears. It makes for a perfect starting point by the end of which your daily worries should have been packed into the tightest space imaginable leaving behind plenty of room for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the remainder of the ride.

Nico Muhly's piano on Words combined with Luke's vocal creates a moving aural experience. These however are only the foundations on top of which builds a musical skyscraper with a whole host of other instruments joining the journey along the way. Imagine the Empire State Building built entirely from pianos, guitars, violins, cellos, drums and soulful vocals; that would be this track.

Wrap up warm for Northern Lights because the sublime arrangement of the strings, with an, if possible, even softer vocal from Luke might carry you off on a journey far into the north. Not only my mind but my body too floated gently on the breeze, seeking out the most perfect spot to view the lights. I'd actually go as far as to say this song is as magnificent as the phenomenon of its title. It would certainly feature on my soundtrack to the Northern Lights.

While there are a number of slower sounding songs of a melancholy nature, tracks like Shanty, Cover it Up and Lonely Second have such an upbeat rhythm I'd require video evidence from anyone denying these didn't bring out at least the leg jigger in you. Each gets my legs jigging so much it's as if they've been replaced by Muppet legs (perhaps this occurs while fully immersed in the opening song). Then there's Butterfly which has the habit of squatting deeply inside your mind even after just one listen. So when you're going about your day at work and you're humming it over or it is playing on your mind radio and you wonder what it is, this is likely the one. It's a lively number but with interestingly subversive lyrics, 'Even the kids here would tear its wings, rip out her colours all paper thin.'

Contrast these with Looking Glass which is so delicate it almost passes by without much notice. The extended instrumental that kicks in after the vocals cease add some musical depth to what starts out as a very delicate charmer. One of the most poignant songs is penultimate track, Right Then and There. The haunting harmonies sound so beautiful there's a need to make up a word to better describe them. Baunting: a beautiful mix of melodious yet at times haunting vocal sounds. The backing vocals penetrate the ears so deeply, burrowing right into the root of the soul where they don't rest until they've wrapped tightly around it and fallen asleep. The lyrics appear so simple and yet are strikingly evocative. 'As I got dressed, soon I felt, as though I could see through every cloud. Right then and there, I saw my life, as through a lens.' It uses the metaphor of a hair cut to illustrate a significant moment of epiphany. It's just so wonderfully constructed.

Wrapping up with Song to Sundays ends on a cheery upbeat note. Play it as soon as you wake up next Sunday and feel the slight cool breeze of a perfect spring morning blow on your face as you lie back in bed puzzling out the mysteries of your ceiling. For that matter play it every morning as an experiment to see if it works for them too. In fact, we should all petition Luke to write and record a song for every morning to get us through the week. This should of course be a walk in the park for someone who managed to bash out a song a week for six months.

A rollercoaster ride this is not but it doesn't ever try to be, nor does it need to. It's more like one of those magical day trips out where you feel like you've imprinted yourself on the surroundings. The Water's Edge imprints itself leaving you wanting more from this clearly very talented musician. Perhaps it is unfair to pigeonhole Luke into the nu-folk category but amongst the recent successes of Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale and Mumford and Sons to name just three, he's in fine company if this is where he does end up as a result of this debut.

Now I find myself frantically trying to rearrange my social calendar so that I may be able to take in a gig at some point in the near future.

Music of the moment:

Mutineers- check out their album Friends, Lovers, Rivals because it's damn good!

Books:

I've recently finished Life Knocks by Craig Stone which I urge you and every member of the human race (and also all the members of all alien races for that matter, and if animals could read I'd urge them to part with their animal cash too for another matter) to check out. A review will follow soon.


I'm currently reading That Bear Ate My Pants! Adventures of a Real Idiot Abroad by Tony James Slater which has me crying with laughter at the scrapes he's finding himself in out as a volunteer in Ecuador. You know what to do. Check this one out too!




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COMING SOON: Band of Badgers Presents...

Please excuse me for not having uploaded a new post so far this week but I am currently working on putting together a podcast. This is taking up most of my free time at present as I'm getting the tracks together, requesting permissions from the bands and artists I'd like to involve as well as learning how to actually record the thing.

Saying I'm excited would be a big understatement. I just hope I can pull this off and do the music proud. Ah! So if I do a good job and get a good level of hits helping to promote some really fantastic music I think deserves more exposure I believe I will be ready to talk to Heather.

I will be able to sing aloud in full force (and in my very best Heather Small impression (which I don't think is that great but, you know, points for effort)), 'What have you done today, to make you feel proud?'

I've missed that at work. Oh Sabina, hurry up and return from your travels down under as we are long overdue a Heather incident. 

I'm digressing aren't I? Apologies. Back to the podcast.

I am writing an article for the website Graduate Game on how to record a podcast so I thought why not jump right in and record my own. I won't deny that when I was younger I may have pretended I was a radio presenter. Playing tracks from my various cassettes at the time (only huge sums of money will get me to divulge what bands or artists this involved – it was the very early 90’s) and just rambling youthful nonsense I can't imagine it was much cop. But it was just for fun. I was a child. It was one of those things to do.

As you may have already got the impression I'm a big fan of music. My interests are quite varied even if I have particular soft spots (or shouldn't this be I have large spots? I have huge spots...regressing to the teenage years I think. Not a big pimple....ooh...pimple...what a word that is, pimple, pimples) for rock, alternative and indie. 

With the volume of new bands and artists I'm still being introduced to via Twitter in addition to coming across them via the other ways I'm used to, I thought it would be cool to use the medium of a podcast to play some of this music.

So, Band of Badgers Presents... will be my opportunity to play a set list of tracks from some of these artists and bands in the hope I can aid in the promotion and exposure for them (if nobody downloads it this will slap me in the face so seriously hard I will have permanent black eyes. This will not be a good look. There's no way I can afford to keep buying the make up to disguise permanent black eyes. Jeez, how do you ladies (note: non-sexist question here, I’m just generally curious) afford to keep yourselves in this stuff? Saying that, there are plenty of gay men, even plenty of straight men who spend a fortune on their cosmetics so I extend this query to all of you? Answers on a postcard please....but don't phone it's just for fun and unfortunately I don't have a premium rate phone line you can call to line my pockets. Perhaps I should enlist the help of ITV for that one? Unless it’s still a sore point? I really do go for it on these asides sometimes....STOP!).

Band of Badgers Presents...The Pilot episode will hopefully be up and available sometime next week. This is subject to a number of things not least the fact I've never done anything like this before. 

I'd like to take this opportunity (but I will do so again countless times) to thank the bands and artists who have already given permission for me to play their music and who have provided words of support and encouragement. I really hope I can do you [Heather Small voice please] proud!

One Cure for Man  

Whitestar 

Andrew Page 

Mutineers 

The Walla Recovery   

Under A Banner        

Howard James Kenny 

Luke Jackson  

Angel Kelly     

Gypsy Fire    

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